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What Are College Trustee Boards Really There to Do?

College and university trustees are chosen for their willingness to donate substantially, and to wield substantial political influence on behalf of their institutions.

Sept. 7, 2018 2:09 p.m. ET

Allen C. Guelzo’s advice rings true in many cases, but as a past trustee of a well-regarded, small liberal-arts college not far from Gettysburg, I would advise that though some experience in higher ed may be beneficial, experience in business acumen for trustees and administrators would be more helpful (“Back-to-School Advice for College Trustees,” op-ed, Aug. 25). In my experience, trustees and administrators often don’t understand that they are selling a product in a very competitive environment.